Carol Kirkwood, the legendary BBC Breakfast weather presenter, could have continued her role well beyond retirement age due to her immense popularity, it has been revealed. The 63-year-old stunned colleagues and viewers yesterday by announcing her bombshell retirement live on air, stating her desire to spend more time with her new husband.
Shock Announcement Sparks Speculation
Her immediate departure after over two decades in the role sparked immediate speculation that she was being forced out to make way for younger talent. The BBC has a troubled history regarding older presenters, with Miriam O'Reilly previously winning an industrial tribunal case for ageism after being removed from Countryfile.
Bosses Taken by Surprise
However, insiders have confirmed to the Daily Mail that Carol's decision to leave the BBC after 25 years took management completely by surprise, as they had no intention of replacing her with a younger presenter. A source within the corporation stated: 'Carol's decision to leave was entirely her call. There was no pressure and age wasn't a factor - as far as producers were concerned she could have gone on forever.'
The source added: 'Carol was the mainstay and a big reason why so many viewers tune in so nobody wanted her to leave - indeed she could have gone on for many more years - but once she'd decided they could not stand in her way.'
Emotional On-Air Moment
Carol became emotional during her announcement on BBC Breakfast yesterday morning, speaking to presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay who also appeared moved during the segment. She explained: 'I love my job, I've loved working at the BBC, but I love my husband more than my job. More than everyone, I should say.'
She continued: 'We only got married a couple of years ago and we're ships that pass in the night so I'm so looking forward to [spending more time together]. The future is rosy and the time is right, absolutely right for me to go.'
BBC's Ageism History
The BBC has faced numerous ageism controversies in recent years as executives attempt to attract younger audiences while implementing significant financial cuts. Veteran stars including Sue Barker, Arlene Phillips, Moira Stuart and Ken Bruce have seen their roles filled with younger replacements, sometimes to the detriment of viewing figures.
Despite this pattern, an in-joke within BBC Breakfast management has long been that 'there would be riots' if Carol was ever let go, highlighting her unique status within the organisation.
Personal Motivations Revealed
Carol clarified in interviews that her decision stems from wanting to spend more time with husband Steve Randall, whom she married in December 2023. Randall, a police officer thirteen years her junior, is himself approaching retirement age, and the couple reportedly have extensive travel plans together.
She humorously noted: 'I don't want to be coming in in my Zimmer frame and saying, "I can't reach the Northern Isles anymore!"'
Career Highlights and Personal Journey
Carol has been the main weather presenter on BBC Breakfast since 2010, becoming a regular face at prestigious events including Wimbledon, the Chelsea Flower Show and Royal Ascot. She began her BBC career as a production secretary on BBC Breakfast itself, ironically, before leaving for consultancy work.
After auditioning and training with The Weather Channel in the US, she returned to the BBC, joining the Weather Centre in 1998 and quickly becoming a familiar face to millions. In 2015, she competed on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing eighth alongside professional dancer Pasha Kovalev.
Her personal life has seen significant changes, with her divorce from husband Jimmy Kirkwood after nearly two decades of marriage eventually leading to personal growth. She told Radio Times: 'I found myself when I got divorced. I started to do things and to think, "I'm not going to say no, I'm going to say yes!" I'm braver now.'
Future Plans and Final Words
Carol married Steve Randall at Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire in December 2023, and the pair now reside together in Windsor. She recently told House Beautiful magazine: 'If he's at home, I'm happy. I don't need anything else. He's tall, handsome, kind, gentle, strong, funny, charming. He's a gentleman. He's good at cooking. I could wax lyrical about Steve forever.'
In a written statement, Carol acknowledged that leaving the broadcaster 'hasn't been an easy decision to make' but added it 'feels like the right moment to step away.' She expressed gratitude to colleagues and viewers: 'It's been an absolute privilege to bring you the weather every day. My job is something I've never taken for granted and I've loved every minute!'
She concluded: 'And to those watching and listening at home - thank you for all the kindness you have shown me over the years, being part of your mornings has been a joy.'
